GB/T 14164-2013 L390 (X56) Pipeline Steel Coil

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 (X56) Pipeline Steel Coil

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 (X56) Pipeline Steel Coil - Data Sheet & Equivalents

Detailed material data for L390 (X56) pipeline steel: chemical composition, mechanical & physical properties, international equivalents, and applications according to GB/T 14164-2013.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP)

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Introduction

L390 (X56) is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) pipeline steel grade defined in GB/T 14164-2013, primarily used for oil and gas transmission pipelines. It offers a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa with good weldability, excellent low-temperature toughness, and resistance to ductile fracture propagation. Typically supplied as hot-rolled coil in as-rolled, normalized, or thermomechanically controlled processed (TMCP) condition, this grade meets the demands of modern high-pressure, large-diameter pipeline projects. Its chemical composition is designed with microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti) for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening, ensuring a fine balance of strength and ductility.

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Chemical Composition

Typical chemical composition limits for L390 (X56) according to GB/T 14164-2013. Values are maximum unless a range is specified. Microalloying elements Nb, V, Ti are added to achieve the required strength and toughness. Residual elements are controlled to ensure weldability and resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
C≤ 0.20Controlled for weldability
Si≤ 0.45Deoxidant residue
Mn≤ 1.60Strength and hardenability
P≤ 0.025Max for cleanliness
S≤ 0.015Max for low inclusion content
Nb≤ 0.05Grain refiner (part of Nb+V+Ti sum ≤0.15)
V≤ 0.08Precipitation strengthener (sum limit applied)
Ti≤ 0.04Grain refinement and sulfide shape control
Nb+V+Ti≤ 0.15Sum of microalloying elements
Cu≤ 0.35Residual element, may raise corrosion resistance
Ni≤ 0.30Residual element
Cr≤ 0.30Residual element
Mo≤ 0.15Residual element
Al (total)≥ 0.015Fine grain practice

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for L390 (X56) carbon-manganese steel. These values are provided as reference for engineering design and are not mandatory requirements of the standard. Properties vary slightly with exact chemical composition and processing route. All values at room temperature (≈20°C) unless noted.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Ambient temperature
Modulus of Elasticity (E)207GPaTension, ambient
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson ratio (ν)0.30—Elastic range
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.7 (20-100 °C)10⁻⁶/KLinear mean coefficient
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)500J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.15µΩ·mAt 20 °C

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Tensile and impact properties for L390 (X56) as per GB/T 14164-2013, PSL1 base requirements. Values are for longitudinal strip/coil specimens unless noted. Elongation applies to standard test pieces (L₀=50 mm or 5.65√S₀). Bending test uses transverse specimens. Impact energy is commonly specified in supplementary requirements for low-temperature service.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH / Rt0.5)≥ 390MPaLongitudinal, room temperature
Tensile Strength (Rm)490 - 660MPaLongitudinal, room temperature
Elongation (A)≥ 22%Longitudinal, gauge length 50 mm, t ≤ 25 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 24 (for t > 25 mm)%Longitudinal, gauge length 50 mm
Bend Test (180°)No cracks—Transverse, bend diameter = 2a (a = thickness)
Impact Energy (KV₂) at 0 °C≥ 27 (average), ≥ 20 (single)JTransverse, full-size (10×10 mm) – optional / PSL2 typical
Impact Energy (KV₂) at -20 °C≥ 27 (average), ≥ 20 (single)JTransverse, full-size – optional for low-temp service

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Fully Equivalent International Standards and Grades

Country/RegionStandardGrade DesignationRemarks
ChinaGB/T 14164-2013L390This grade, also called X56
USA / InternationalAPI 5L (46th Ed.)X56 (PSL1 or PSL2)PSL1 corresponds to basic requirements; PSL2 with tighter chemistry & mandatory tests
InternationalISO 3183:2012L390Identical technical delivery conditions
EuropeEN 10208-2L390MBL390MB is TMCP condition, equivalent to M delivery
CanadaCSA Z245.1Grade 386Yield strength in MPa (386 MPa ≈ 56 ksi)

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Application Introduction

L390 (X56) pipeline steel is widely used in the energy sector where high strength and good low-temperature toughness are essential. Its balanced properties enable cost-effective design of high-pressure gas and oil transportation systems.

Product Applications: Long-distance cross-country pipelines, Gathering lines and flowlines, High-pressure water injection lines, Pipe fittings (bends, tees, reducers), Offshore risers, Pressure vessels and storage tanks (when rolled into plate)

Processed into products: Line pipe (seamless or welded), Induction bends and forged fittings, Flanges and connectors, Valves and pig launchers/receivers, Riser pipes and J-tubes, Compressor station piping

Application industries: Oil & Gas transmission and distribution, Petrochemical processing, Water transmission (long-distance aqueducts), Structural and civil engineering (pipe piling, casing), Offshore and subsea pipelines

GB/T 14164-2013 L390 Pipeline Steel Coil Similar / Nearby Alternative Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
China / InternationalGB/T 14164 / API 5LL415 (X60)Higher strength grade (415 MPa min YS); similar welding behavior, slightly reduced toughness may be compensated by lower wall thickness
China / InternationalGB/T 14164 / API 5LL360 (X52)Lower strength grade (360 MPa min YS); greater ductility and toughness, often used where pressure requirements are moderate
EuropeEN 10208-2L360MBComparable to X52, suitable for less demanding service
RussiaGOST 1050 or equivalent17G1SSimilar Mn content but may lack microalloy refinement; use with caution for demanding pipeline projects

Notes:

Additional considerations:

  • For sour service (H2S-containing environments), special heat treatment and chemistry adjustments (e.g., Ca treatment, low S) may be required – consult supplementary standard like NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.
  • Thicker gauges (>25 mm) may require a slightly lower elongation acceptance limit and adjusted impact requirements.
  • TMCP delivery condition (M) can achieve superior toughness compared to normalized (N) grades.
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